Olimpo "Ollie" Oviedo

Dr. Ollie Oviedo, born March 4, 1940 in Girardot, Tolima, Colombia to the home of Emilia (Celis) and Lino Oviedo, passed on Oct. 16, 2025 at the age of 85, surrounded by the love of his family.  A devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and teacher, Ollie lived a full life of warmth, curiosity, and grace.

Born in Colombia, Ollie immigrated to the United States in the early 1960s in pursuit of education and opportunity.  His passion for literature and language led him to earn his doctorate from New York University in Comparative Literature.  Over the years, he taught at various colleges and universities before settling in Portales, New Mexico in 1989, where he later retired as an Associate Professor of English at Eastern New Mexico University in 2010.  He was a published author and also acted as editor for several publications.  He had also translated some books from Spanish into English.  Though he earned the title "Doctor", he preferred that his students simply call him "Ollie", valuing genuine connection and open conversation over formality.

It was in Portales where Ollie met the love of his life, Annette Copher, who he married on Aug. 14, 1997 in Clovis, and together they built a beautiful life and family grounded in love and laughter.  Emilia was born in 1998 and Isabelle in 2001. Both girls were the apple of his eye.  In 2016, Ollie's family grew even larger when he joyfully reunited with his long-lost son, Kevin Ferguson of Scotland, after finding him online. 

Ollie is survived by his wife of 36 years, Annette Oviedo; two daughters, Emilia Oviedo and her boyfriend, Juan Benavidez of Portales and Isabelle and Stephen Bustamante of Portales; a son, Kevin Ferguson and wife Alex of Wishaw, Scotland; two grandchildren, Kimberley Ferguson, and Grant Dingwall; two great-grandchildren, Greyson and Landry Dingwall; four brothers, Lino Oviedo of CA, Fabio Oviedo of Colombia, Gustavo Oviedo of New York, and Hernan Oviedo of Colombia and a sister, Alicia Saldana also of Colombia.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Angelino and sisters, Blanca and Selmira.

Ollie's gentle soul was reflected in his many passions.  He loved his coffee strong, his art expressive, and his classical music soothing and timeless.  He cherished long talks with friends and students, as much as quiet moments shared with his pets and parrot, Simon. Every pet he met became family, and every friend became part of his story.  He never missed a chance to call loved ones in Colombia, California, and New York, bridging miles with laughter and care.

Those who knew Ollie will remember his kindness, intellect, and deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures--a cup of coffee, a symphony in the background, and the company of those he loved most.

 A Celebration of Life for Dr. Ollie Oviedo will be held at 10:a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Central Christian Church in Portales, New Mexico. 

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